GE Volunteers back Qatar green project

Doha, April 4, 2012

GE Volunteers Qatar have partnered with the Qatar Green Center, a subsidiary of the Ministry of Environment, to support a greener environment through a new project.

My School, My Farm, which started in December 2011 and is set to conclude this month, aims to strengthen awareness on the need to inculcate homestead farming and other easy-to-apply agricultural practices among the students.

GE Volunteers collaborates with 12 schools in Qatar, working with students from primary to secondary levels for the project.

Zaid Khayyat of GE Volunteers said: “GE Volunteers is committed to partnering in initiatives that bring about a tangible and long-term benefit to the communities we serve in. My School, My Farm is a unique initiative that not only helps promote the concept of self-reliance but also respect for environment. We are honoured to work with the Ministry of Environment on the project through the Qatar Green Center.”

Activities of My School, My Farm included training visits for the volunteers at the Al Otouria Agriculture Research Station ensuring that the students are provided with solid guidance on agricultural skills including soil types and how to use fertilizers.

The volunteers were also trained by specialized Qatar Green Center agricultural engineers on how to take care of the crops as well as their harvesting. The team visited the schools periodically during the four months of the project which will conclude with an awards ceremony, where the participating students will be honoured.

My School, My Farm was also showcased at the third Qatar International Agricultural Exhibition where some of the harvested crops were displayed and the participants highlighted the distinct role of the students who worked on the project. – TradeArabia News Service